Footnote on Rox lineup: Melvin Mora played second base, the third position he has played in the Cactus League. He also has played third base and left field. Trust me, there will be more to follow. He brought five gloves to spring training in anticipation of super-utility duty.

TUCSON — Melvin Mora began his career as a center fielder, made his mark in the big leagues at third base, and now finds himself a utility infielder with the Rockies.

Did I say utility infielder? Make it utility player. By season’s end, Mora could play every position on the diamond except first base, catcher and pitcher.

Unless, of course, the Rockies find themselves on the wrong end of a blowout loss. Then Mora is ready, wink-wink, for an inning or two on the mound.

“I’ve got a good breaking ball,” he said.

Mora brought five gloves to spring training and has already used two in Cactus League games. He has played once at third base and once in left field, and is in the lineup again at third for the Rockies’ split-squad game vs. the Diamondbacks today at Hi Corbett Field.

Mora, a two-time all-star third baseman with the Orioles, is hitting fifth in the lineup. Here’s a look at the entire lineup, hot off the presses, so to speak. Or at least straight from Jim Tracy’s office:

SCOTTSDALE — The fatality on Interstate 10 snarled traffic, and left Ubaldo Jimenez unable to make his scheduled start today in Tempe against the Angels. Driving his own vehicle, the right-hander got stuck in the jam that extended for nearly 10 miles. Traffic was detoured to 587 North to 87 North. But a normal 1, 40-minute commute took me more than 4 hours. Greg Smith started in place of Jimenez, who was supposed to work three innings. There’s a still a chance that Jimenez will pitch depending on when he arrives at Tempe Diambo Stadium.

Players are often allowed to take their own cars instead of the team bus if they receive prior permission. It’s more common for pitchers early in spring because they can leave the ballpark early and miss traffic on the way back to Tucson.

The Rockies got off to a good start offensively against the Angels with a Clint Barmes home run and a two-run triple by Ian Stewart.

Here in Scottsdale, Jeff Francis was rocked by the Giants in his first game since Sept. 12, 2008. Unlike his live BP sessions, Francis controlled his curveball, but not his fastball. After surviving a shaky first inning, Francis was rocked by a three-run home by Juan Uribe that nearly cleared the hill in left field. He crushed a grooved 2-0 fastball.

Francis pitched a scoreless first inning against the Giants. And he had a terrific breaking ball. That’s the good news. However, he never topped 86 miles per hour on his fastball in the first, issued a leadoff walk to Aaron Rowand after getting ahead 0-2 and giving up a long foul flyball that narrowly missed bing a home run and only escaped damage when Aubrey Huff lined out to third baseman Melvin Mora on a shift play.

If Francis can’t get more velocity and better location on his fastball, right-handers will devour him. He has to be able to pitch them inside to set up his off-speed pitches. That didn’t happen today.

Also, for those making the trip to the Valley tomorrow, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and second baseman Clint Barmes are scheduled to play against the Angels in Tempe. Ubaldo Jimenez will start that game, and throw three innings with Miguel Olivo catching. Jeff Francis starts across the interstate in Scottsdale against the Giants with Chris Iannetta catching. He’s slated for two innings of work, his first since Sept. 12, 2008.
Here is a look at the scheduled pitchers for the next few days:

TUCSON — Jeff Francis took away two distinct positives from facing hitters today. He didn’t think once about his surgically-repaired shoulder and he kept the ball down.

“But I was less than satisfied with my delivery. I was rushing a bit. And that’s something I have battled my whole career,” Francis said.

Francis threw for 10 minutes, firing 39 pitches to Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes and Dexter Fowler. He told the hitters which pitches were coming and he threw behind an L screen. All the hitters praised Francis’ fastball and changeup. The curveball is a work in progress as it doesn’t have a sharp bite yet. Francis will throw again Sunday.

Footnotes

Owner Charlie Monfort looked around and said what I was thinking, “I have never seen this many fans on the backfield.” It was a huge turnout to watch the first practice. Two playoff berths in three years doesn’t hurt.

… The Rockies will have their union meeting this afternoon. Among those here for the union: former Rockies pitcher Mike Myers.

TUCSON — The first sign that something was amiss was in the workout tent. Manuel Corpas was riding the elipitical instead of going station-to-station with his pitching group. Corpas, it turns out, has a slightly tweaked hamstring. It kept him out of pitchers fundamental practice, but is unlikely to keep him off the mound. I will monitor it. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious as I know from talking to Corpas he’s anxious to make a good first impression when the games begin.

The Rockies finished their workout today without any interruption. The rain stayed away. Couple of quick thoughts:
–Wow can Hector Gomez swing that bat. I can see why this kid has stuck around on the 40-man roster despite being plaqued by injuries. He goes old school, no batting gloves. He was working with hitting instructor Don Baylor on getting into a better load position. But man, he does he have a whippy swing. The ball just flees his bat.

–Todd Helton’s back is fine. He was regularly lining shots to all gaps and parked around five home runs beyond the right-field fence. Ian Stewart, who is working on a new swing with less movement in his stance, slammed nearly a dozen home runs.

–Clint Barmes has gone back to an open stance, a slightly less exaggerated version of what Garrett Atkins employed. Barmes felt like he was closing himself off was pitchers started pounding him inside. This should help him get to inside pitches more.

TUCSON — There used to be a clear line of separation. Pitchers and catchers would report first, followed a week later by position players. Now, it’s impossible to tell the difference. Has been that way for years with the Rockies. Under a bright sun, a handful of position players are taking batting practice today at Hi Corbett Field. The group includes, among others, Todd Helton, Clint Barmes and Eric Young Jr.

Helton welcomed me to the facility today with his usual well-timed jab. He looks great, having done hard work this offseason working out and treating his back. Troy Tulowitzki, who is doing some stuff for Long Beach State later this week, is expected to arrive Monday.

Even though guys have done this the better part of their life, these first few days require an adjustment. As pitcher Tim Redding was saying while warming up — “It’s the first time I have thrown outside in months.” Redding is bigger than I remember. He’s a strong guy. And he’s big enough to absorb a foul ball. I have nearly been hit a couple of times. I want to believe they were accidents.

Seen most of the pitchers today, including Huston Street, Rafael Betancourt, Juan Rincon, Jason Hammel and Jeff Francis.

Will keep you posted throughout the day. And yes, for those wondering, I am wearing sunscreen. Sorry I couldn’t resist.

TUCSON — If there was any doubt that this was the Rockies’ last year in Tucson it was removed as I pulled into the Hi Corbett Field. Or tried to pull in. There were construction signs everywhere with a detour.

My expertise with tools pretty much ended when my kids stopped watching Bob The Builder, but it looks like they were digging a moat in front of the parking lot. That’s one way to keep fans away — make them leap a crocodile to see their favorite team. I am sure it will be fixed by the first games in a few weeks, but it was an interesting sight.

As for the Rockies, the only thing more surprising than orange cones was the green grass. I think this might be the first winter I don’t see my front lawn. Darn snow won’t melt. The grass here is expectant, crisp, a reminder of the summer to come.

A few quick notes:
–Saw Miguel Olivo today. He’s definitely excited to be with the Rockies. He really wanted to play for a contender, so he took less money to play in Colorado.

–Eric Young Jr. had a blast at fantasy camp where his dad Eric Young was the commissioner. Young told funny stories about the kangaroo court in camp. One guy was fined for going onto the field without his jersey on, while other camper took BP in the cage with his cellphone on his belt. The small fine money was used to tip the clubhouse guys.

–Among the players working out today were Clint Barmes, who spent part of his afternoon tossing BP to his young son, Huston Street, Matt Daley and Matt Belisle.

With Orlando Cabrera likely to accept the Reds’ offer of a starting shortstop job, the Rockies have become a finalist for Melvin Mora’s services today. His agent confirmed this afternoon that the field has narrowed for Mora, and that the Rockies are strongly in the mix. The Mariners and Rangers also had interest earlier this week. I would expect a decision soon from Mora.

Mora, 37, has been primarily a third baseman, but Colorado officials feel like he can play second as well and move to the outfield on a double switch. They need versatility after signing Jason Giambi, who bats left-handed and plays only first base. The Rockies made a strong push for Cabrera, but don’t have a starting job available. The Reds have told Cabrera he will play shortstop. With Colorado, Cabrera would have to beat out Ian Stewart or Clint Barmes to become a starter, leaving to likely begin the year as a bench player.

The Rockies don’t want just a utilityman. They want a player who has experience, who can play multiple positions. They believe that player could be Orlando Cabrera. After focusing on Melvin Mora, the Rockies have shifted toward Cabrera, who is deciding between offers from Colorado and Cincinnati, his agents confirmed.

Cabrera, who hit .284 with nine home runs and 77 RBIs in 160 games with Oakland and Minnesota, has played primarily shortstop in his career, but the Rockies believe he could handle second and third, if necessary. If Cabrera signs, he could push Clint Barmes for playing time at second base, particularly if Barmes gets off to a slow start offensively.

* I’ll miss dodging insults, verbal barbs and welt-lifting love taps from the bat of the irascible Todd Helton. Todd pretends he’s nothing but a Tennessee redneck, but he’s actually one of the smartest athletes I’ve ever known. He’s funny, too. Ask him for his take on Mini-Coopers sometime. (inside joke).

When all is said and done, Helton will stand as one of this state’s most celebrated athletes. As well he should. Please go out to Coors and watch him in person before he hangs up his gold glove for good.

* I’ll miss Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, Brad Hawpe and almost all of the other Rockies. Most sports writers are cynics, with good reason. Pro athletes can be some of the biggest jerks on the planet. I should know, I covered the Broncos for years. But the Rockies are a dream team to cover. With a few exceptions, the Rockies are guys worth rooting for.

* I’ll miss Jim Tracy’s dugout chats. The man knows how to talk … and talk. But there is not an insincere bone in the man’s body. He loves baseball. He loves his players. He even loves most sports writers. Go figure.

* I’ll miss Bob Apodaca’s theories on pitching and baseball philosophy. We have to play golf sometime.

* I’ll miss Dan O’Dowd’s professionalism. It’s no secret the GM has had more than a few battles with The Post, but he always treated me well and always returned phone calls. Thanks.

* I’ll miss KOA’s Jack Corrigan. A true gentleman.

* I’ll miss going to the ballpark in the summertime. But I won’t miss games that end at 11:30 on a Saturday night in the bottom of the ninth with a deadline tightening around my neck like a noose. But a summer night at Coors Field is pretty close to heaven. I can still go. I can even have a beer. Now I just won’t get paid for watching baseball.

* I’ll miss all the Rockies’ PR staff. You guys were great and answered my quirky stat requests with a smile.

* The little boy in me will miss hanging out in the dugout, walking on the field and watching batting practice up close and personal.

I could go on and on and on.

So thanks Rockies, thanks baseball. You made me feel like a kid again. That’s priceless.

DENVER — The Rockies avoided arbitration today with two players they will be counting on heavily next season, second baseman Clint Barmes and reliever Taylor Buchholz.
Barmes more than doubled his salary, coming in at roughly $3.4 million. Buchholz, who missed all of last season with elbow surgery, will make $1.055 million, same as a year ago.
Barmes established a career-high with 23 home runs and 76 RBIs in 2009. The Rockies had extensive discussions with Barmes about a two-year deal with a club option for his first year of free agency. However, those multi-year talks are tabled for now, as they have been already with starter Jorge De La Rosa and closer Huston Street.
“We went through this two-year discussion, and we just couldn’t find common ground. So we turned our attention to a one-year and we fairly quickly determined what we thought fair value would be,’’ said agent Barry Meister of Barmes. “Clint is going to demonstrate why he thinks he’s worth a multi-year offer at the dollars where thinks he belongs.’’
Buchholz is expected to return around June 1, fortifying what should be a strong bullpen. He was one of the National League’s top setupmen in 2008 before injuring his elbow.
Of the Rockies’ remaining arbitration players, three are big-ticket items on their payroll: De La Rosa, who could easily exceed $5.5 million, Street, who figures to be in the $7 million range, and Rafael Bentancourt, who will be south of $5 million. Other arbitration-eligible players include outfielder Ryan Spilborghs and pitcher Jason Hammel.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Rockies are close to signing Chris Iannetta to a three-year contract for in excess of $8 million that would carry him though his arbitration years, capping what would be a successful winter meetings.
The sides have been talking for a few weeks. Iannetta is first-time arbitration eligible. Manager Jim Tracy has said repeatedly the last few days that he wants both Iannetta and Torrealba back, that the competition will make the team better.
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said yesterday that the arbitration contracts were a priority because there would be no talk on longterm deals once spring training started. A longterm contract for Iannetta won’t preclude Torrealba’s return as both were in the budget for next season.
The club is also still talking to arbitration-eligible players Clint Barmes and Huston Street about longterm contracts

INDIANAPOLIS –Rockies await Rafael Betancourt’s arbitration decision, which directly impacts their present, they haven’t lost sight of the future.
General manager Dan O’Dowd confirmed today that the team has offered a three-year deal to closer Huston Street and multi-year contracts to fellow arbitration eligible players Clint Barmes and Chris Iannetta. cq
O’Dowd indicated that it’s early in the process with Street, and that he didn’t have a good read on where the negotiations might end up. Street has been eyeing a deal in the neighborhood of $30 million. Worse-case scenario, the Rockies will bring the right-hander back on a one-year deal.
O’Dowd didn’t not reveal the term of contracts offered Barmes and Iannetta. Barmes is believed to be two years with a club option for free agency, with Iannetta’s deal carrying him to at least to free agency. Both players’ agents countered the team’s initial offers.
“We have talked about a number of different things with (those players’ agents),’’ O’Dowd said.
The Rockies remain hopeful that Betancourt will accept their one-year deal that should be worth roughly $5 million. His Type A free agent status and age (34) are working against him landing a multi-year deal elsewhere.
Betancourt turned down a two-year, $7-million contract from the Rockies, which his agents would like to revisit if they accept arbitration. But O’Dowd indicated that any multi-year talks would start from scratch.

Other notable topics:
–Jose Contreras remains an option for the bullpen despite his interest in heading to Japan. His agent is expected to talk to the Rockies this week. The Rockies believe his preference is to remain in the big leagues.

–With the Rockies committed to keeping Ryan Spilborghs, they sold reserve outfielder Matt Murton’s rights to the Hanshin Tigers where he can make more money and receive more playing time.
“We want to look at Spilly longer. I have no doubt he’s going to be better next year after talking to him,’’ O’Dowd said.

–Colorado will turn to free agent LaTroy Hawkins if Betancourt declines arbitration. The team has cooled on reliever/starter Justin Duchscherer.

–The Tigers approached the Rockies about starter Edwin Jackson. But Colorado determined it was not a fit given the steep asking price.

–Fernando Tatis is on the list of utility players the Rockies have called about, joining Bobby Crosby, Jamey Carroll and Nick Green.

–Manuel Corpas will begin pitching in winter league Tuesday. Franklin Morales is getting stretched out and will eventually start in the winter league, though he is still viewed as a reliever.

The Rockies have said they would like Rafael Betancourt back. By Tuesday’s 10 p.m. deadline, they can prove it. Betancourt is the only free agent they are expected to offer salary arbitration after being unable to come to terms on a two-year, $7-million contract.

Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, reliever Joe Beimel and starter Jason Marquis are among the other notable free agents not expected to receive offers. The team re-opened dialogue last week with Torrealba, who wants to return but is attracting interest from the Giants and Blue Jays.

Here’s what it means if they extend an offer to Betancourt: He has six days to accept. If he does, his one-year salary will be determined by an arbiter. He will receive a raise from last season’s $3.35 million salary, but possibly less than the $5 million club option the Rockies declined.

This is a financial risk Colorado will take for two reasons: Betancourt would still fit in the budget, and if the veteran declines the Rockies’ offer the team will receive two high-round compensatory picks in next June’s amateur draft if he signs elsewhere. That compensation could limit Betancourt’s suitors. But the Phillies and Red Sox are among the team’s that have interest and could be willing to pay both the salary and relinguish picks.

The Rockies have been busy this offseason discussing contracts with their arbitration-eligible players. While Huston Street and Clint Barmes are candidates for multi-year deals, the team is now eyeing one-year contracts for Chris Iannetta and Jorge De La Rosa.

The Rockies are trolling the waters for pitching depth of all types in the event they lose Jose Contreras, Beimel and Betancourt. The team has talked with Beimel’s agent, but nothing has developed. Contreras is currently shopping his services to Japanese teams.

Those are the Rockies’ radar include Justin Duchscherer and Miguel Batista. The Rockies are also looking for right-handed bench help – someone who can play first and third — even though they are more inclined to keep Ryan Spilborghs than when the season ended. Those that fit the description include Bobby Crosby, Rich Aurilia and Fernando Tatis among others.

DENVER — Garrett Atkins’ future remains in limbo after the club told him that he won’t be released Friday when 40-man rosters set. Atkins is in final year of arbitration, and the Rockies aren’t going to pay him in excess of $7 million since he lost his starting job to Ian Stewart. Keeping Atkins on the 40-man roster for now gives the Rockies more time to trade him before the Dec. 12 non-tender date.

The Rangers and Orioles are among the teams that have mild interest in Atkins, but teams have been reluctant to trade for Atkins when they believe he will be released.

Contract talks
The Rockies have begun initial discussions with second baseman Clint Barmes on a multi-year deal. Barmes enjoyed a career season last year. The Rockies are eyeing a two-year deal with a club option in his first year of free agency.

DENVER — Salary arbitration has been collectively bargained since 1974. It has been misunderstood for nearly as long. Currently baseball clubs control the contracts of almost all players with zero to three years of major league experience. There is an exception made for “Super Two” players who are eligible for arbitration if they played at least 86 days in the previous season and are among the top 17 percent in cummulative playing time in the group of controllable players.

Players with three years of experience can file for salary arbitration until they are eligible for free agency after their sixth full season. Below I have listed the Rockies’ potential arbitration-eligible players as provided this week by the players association. Remember, on this list, the Rockies have approached Huston Street about a multi-year deal and will do the same with Clint Barmes.

Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd said that they will now only look only for a one-year deal for pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. Garrett Atkins is expected to be released sometime before Nov. 20. The Rangers and Orioles are among the teams who have mild interest at this point. Ryan Spilborghs is a potential trade candidate if the Rockies elect to keep Matt Murton instead. The Phillies had strong interest in Spilborghs last summer and could renew their pursuit.

Spilborghs, Chris Iannetta, Jason Hammel and Matt Murton are all first-time eligible, leading to significant raises from their previous minimum salaries of roughly $400,000.

Footnotes
The three-year deals for GM Dan O’Dowd and manager Jim Tracy should be completed soon. Neither are planning on leaving, but they are still working on contract language. … The Rafael Betancourt situation will become clearer this weekend. If, as expected, the Rockies decline the $5 million club option and fail to reach an agreement on a two-year deal, the reliever will become a free agent. But he’s a Type A free agent, meaning the Rockies will offer him salary arbitration. If he declines and signs elsewhere, the Rockies will receive compensatory draft picks.

By any measure, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is a great defender. But, he is not yet a Gold Glover. The Rockies, despite having three strong candidates, were shut out for the fifth consecutive season, according to a major league source.

For the second time in three years, Tulowitzki lost out to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

“It would be a dream to one day win a Gold Glove, and hopefully my time will come,” Tulowitzki told The Denver Post today. “But in the end it’s not about individual awards. It’s about the Rockies winning games and a World Series.”

The Rawlings Gold Glove is voted on by opposing managers and coaches. The winners will be announced at 1 p.m. local time.

Rollins has won the award three consecutive years. While fielding remains more difficult to quantify than hitting, Tulowitzki compared favorably to the Phillies’ veteran. Rollins led National League shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage, committing just six errors. Tulowitzki finished second with a .986 percentage and nine errors. Tulowitzki, however, had a better range factor, 50 more chances and 44 more assists.

Todd Helton and Clint Barmes were also mentioned as candidates. Helton has won three Gold Gloves, but none since 2004. He finished with just three errors, and his ability scoop poor throws was often cited by teammates and opponents alike. Adrian Gonzalez repeated as the Gold Glove winner at first base.

Barmes committed 12 errors, but his range factor ranked second to Houston’s Kazuo Matsui. Orlando Hudson won at second base.

DENVER — Troy Tulowitzki is constantly compared in his career path to Evan Longoria, his good friend and former college teammate. Longoria won something Tuesday that Tulowitzki covets: his first Rawlings Gold Glove. Here’s a look at the AL winners. The NL winners will be announced Wednesday. Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, Clint Barmes are all candidates, though not favorites at their position.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.